Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan is urging economic managers to swiftly issue the new rice tariff-setting guidelines and release the remaining PHP13-billion balance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). He emphasized that ongoing delays are impacting farmers’ preparations for the upcoming harvest season.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan pointed out that economic managers had previously committed to releasing the revised tariff guidelines within the first week of December. With the deadline nearing, he expressed concern that any further delays could increase uncertainty for rice farmers who are planning for the February-March harvest period.

Pangilinan stated, “Let us not keep our rice farmers waiting. The new tariff-setting guidelines and remaining RCEF funds should not get lost in bureaucracy.” He highlighted the importance of timely tariff adjustments due to the rapid shifts in global rice prices, suggesting that these adjustments should be made in real-time or near real-time.

The senator also noted the significance of the unreleased PHP13 billion in RCEF funds, particularly those allocated for seeds, at a time when farmers across the nation have already started planting. He warned that delayed seed distribution could result in missed planting windows, reduced yields, and lost income for farmers.

Pangilinan further warned that the late release of RCEF resources has stalled crucial interventions, including mechanization support, hauling trucks, drying facilities, and training for 18,000 farmers. He urged the Department of Finance, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, and Department of Agriculture to expedite the issuance of the tariff guidelines. Additionally, he called on the Department of Budget and Management to release the full RCEF balance, with a focus on seed distribution, before planting windows close.